Hollywood superstar Keanu Reeves has had valuable items stolen from his Los Angeles home in December 2023 returned to him, thanks to an international law enforcement effort led by the FBI in coordination with Chilean authorities. Among the recovered items are six valuable watches, including an engraved Rolex Submariner featured in the John Wick films.
How the Stolen Items Were Recovered
According to the FBI, the stolen items were located in eastern Santiago, Chile in December 2024 and subsequently handed over to Chilean authorities. In July 2025, the items were formally returned to Reeves. The total value of the watches is estimated at $125,000, with the Rolex alone worth at least $9,500.
The recovery followed the arrest of a suspect connected to a series of violent robberies carried out by what authorities describe as South American Theft Groups (SATG)—organized criminal organizations that operate internationally, targeting high-value items from private residences.
Reeves personally retrieved the items in August 2025 in New York, meeting with FBI agents and a Chilean Policía de Investigaciones (PDI) officer.
Keanu Reeves’ Response
The Matrix and John Wick star sent a handwritten note to the FBI, expressing his gratitude:
“It is with profound gratitude and appreciation that I am writing this letter. Thank you so much for all your effort, dedication, professionalism and cross-border cooperation. My warmest regards, Keanu.”
The note highlighted the actor’s appreciation for the coordination between U.S. and Chilean authorities in recovering his stolen property.
Law Enforcement Statements
Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, emphasized the importance of international cooperation:
“This case is a perfect example of the excellent international cooperation we enjoy with our Chilean counterparts and our local partners at Los Angeles Police Department.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell also praised the collaboration, noting:
“The recovery of these stolen items—thanks to the outstanding collaboration between the Policía de Investigaciones de Chile, the FBI, and our detectives—sends a strong message that organized theft groups will be pursued wherever they operate.”
The FBI added that it is actively investigating multiple SATG-linked crimes across the United States.
Background on the Theft
The 2023 heist at Reeves’ Los Angeles residence involved the theft of several high-value items, including jewelry and luxury watches. The investigation revealed that the theft was part of a wider pattern of transnational criminal activity, with suspects traveling from South America to commit burglaries in the U.S. and other countries.
The Rolex recovered was particularly notable because it had been customized for Reeves during the filming of the John Wick series, making it both personally significant and valuable to collectors.
Significance of the Case
The successful recovery of Reeves’ stolen property underscores the importance of cross-border law enforcement cooperation in combatting international organized crime. It also highlights the growing sophistication of criminal networks targeting celebrities and high-net-worth individuals.
As Reeves continues his work in film and advocacy, the recovery serves as a reminder that no crime is beyond the reach of coordinated international investigation.
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